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SOCIAL AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE 




OF THE UNITED STATES IN 




\ CENTRAL AMERICA 




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BY 






J. M. MONCADA 






EX-MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR, NICARAGUA 






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TRANSLATED FROM THE SPANISH 




BY 




ALOYSIUS C. GAHAN 




OF THE NEW YORK BAR 



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SOCIAL AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE 

OF THE UNITED STATES IN 

CENTRAL AMERICA 



BY 



J. M. MONCADA 

EX-MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR, NICARAGUA 



TRANSLATED FROM THE SPANISH 

BY 

ALOYSIUS C. GAHAN. 
OF THE NEW YORK BAR 



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A- O.^ 



■M 



OCT 13 J&? 






I dedicate this work to the people of the United States. 
In writing it I have sought inspiration in the principles 
of Washington, in the ideals of all the founders of Amer- 
ican Independence, and in the broad spirit of the Monroe 
Doctrine. There certainly never was a period fitter to 
serve as an example and guide to mankind than that time 
when so many worthy and eminent men assisted at the 
birth of this great republic. 

Let us always remember their teachings, and work 
incessantly to link the all-powerful forces of civilization 
to the exalted virtues of Washington, so that for all time 
he may be hailed as "the Father of his country." 

J. M. MONCADA. 

New York, August, 1911. 



Digitized by tine Internet Archive 
in 2010 with funding from 
The Library of Congress 



http://www.archive.org/details/socialpoliticali01monc 



SOCIAL AND POLITICAL INFLUENCE OF THE 
UNITED STATES IN CENTRAL AMERICA. 



Some opposition exists, chiefly on the part of adher- 
ents of the democratic party in the United States, to the 
policy of intervention by the government at Washington, 
in the internal affairs of Central America. 

In like manner, the so-called liberal party in the Cen- 
tral American repnblics, rejects interference by the 
United States, denouncing as traitors those who, either 
secretly or openly, are favorable thereto. The liberals 
regard with distrust the protestations of the White 
House, and have no faith in the declarations of Root and 
other statesmen as to the benevolent intentions of the 
United States. Those declarations are said to be but 
cloaks to cover cunning on the part of the would-be con- 
queror, and made for the purpose of lulling the intended 
victim to sleep. 

XL 

Which view is the correct one and who are the 
patriots? 

Is the resistance of the democratic party in the United 
States, just and civilizing; and, reciprocally, is the atti- 
tude of the liberal party in the republics of Central Amer- 
ica, likewise just and civilizing? 



Are the declarations of the government at Washing- 
ton sincere? 

Are the people of the United States really brothers of 
those of Central and South America, as stated in docu- 
ments and official utterances emanating from the White 
House? 

Where can we find the happy medium to effect the 
union of these conflicting currents? 

What is the duty of both sides, whether republicans 
or democrats in the United States, and whether liberals 
or conservatives in Central America? 

What is the apparent trend of evolution in the present 
age and what is the role of the United States? 

III. 

In order to answer these questions correctly, a great 
deal of good faith and calm impartiality are required. 
Passion must be laid aside and the mind elevated to lofty 
ideals for humanity in its present stage of development. 
The history of mankind can shed light thoughout the 
labyrinth and sociology afford a safe guide. 

Which view is the correct one and who are the 
patriots? 

I am inclined to believe that patriotism actuates the 
democratic party in the United States; and I also con- 
cede to the liberals of Central America a like generous 
sentiment. 

But the meaning of the word "fatherland" has for 
some time been undergoing change ; like all things human 
it is subject to mutation. Indeed, it tends to disappear. 



5 

There are many philosopliers and thinkers who find the 
fatherland everywhere, and who would rejoice to see the 
word patriotism synonymous with humanity. In puv- 
suance of this philosophy, one might be guilty of the 
anachronism of reasoning and judging in conformity with 
the ideas and social spirit of antiquity which w^ere, un- 
doubtedly, quite different from the ideas and social senti- 
ment of the present epoch. 

The soul of the nations, precarious and bounded in its 
horizon by the limits of the land in past ages, undergoes 
continual transformation, developing and widening as 
frontiers are gained and overleaped; in which process 
prejudices are eradicated and national and racial differ- 
ences destroj^ed. It is slowly progressing towards a uni- 
versal objective; varying ideals are being transmuted and 
fused into one grand conception, a supereminently human 
ideal, namely, the universal brotherhood of man. 

The old patriotism, narrow and egotistic, had its roots 
deeply implanted within the confines of the state. It 
mapped out frontiers whose lines were impassible. The 
pcitria for which the Greeks and Eomans fought is not 
similar to the patriotic sentiment entertained to-day, at 
least by the enlightened portion of the human race, and 
this is the portion which, in the long run, leads and directs 
the states. 

It was Kome which first set the noble example of 
carrying beyond the frontiers and enlarging the idea of 
the fatherland, so that it embraced the conquered na- 
tions. Thus the idea of justice was extended, the for- 
eigner being granted rights of citizenship while his gods 
were transported to the Roman Pantheon. In this wav 



6 

Eome attained proportions surpassing in grandeur all 
the nations of antiquity. 

The origin, development and apogee of Eome greatly 
resemble the origin, development and apogee of the United 
States. The colony on the Tiber began like the colony 
at Plymouth Eock. When the Eoman republic was trans- 
forming itself into an empire, Julius Ceasar was assas- 
sinated. So, too, in the United States, was McKinley. 
Eome decayed and perished through its system of cen- 
tralized empire ; and the United States of America should 
always bear in mind this great example of history. 

IV. 

It may be said without fear of contradiction that in 
the present state of the world, frontiers are artificial, 
people of various nationalities mingle and commingle 
with one another, and certain nations have an influence 
upon certain others. Everything in the land travels to- 
day, thought, speech, being and things; so that a policy 
of non-interference has become impossible. The illness 
of a nation affects its neighbors within a few hours. The 
pulse of the United States, for example, is felt instantly 
in France, England or Germany. The idea, the spark 
that springs into existence here, illuminates the Old 
World, and the spirit of the latter has, in its turn, an 
influence upon the mind and heart of the New. 

Human society is an organism, similar in character 
to the individual body. It has arteries, veins, lungs, 
members, vessels and cells. If we touch any part of the 
body, the brain instantly feels the effect; and in the same 



way, human society, as an organism, feels all impressions 
or changes taking place among the individual members 
of the human family. 

A world-soul, a composite of all souls and minds and 
consciences, is in process of formation. It is the great, 
supreme result of discoveries and of increased facilities 
for communication. This process of evolution had its 
birth in the discovery of America, and has developed with 
great energy, particularly in the newly discovered land 
of North America, itself, because the United States has 
been the greatest contributor to this wonderful human 
fellowship. 

When the genius of Fulton applied steam to naviga- 
tion, and Franklin, with his own hands, caught the thun- 
derbolts of Jupiter, then it was that the arteries, nerves, 
vessels and cells of the organism of humanity were 
created. The United States, therefore, are entitled to 
leadership in the domain of modern progress. It is their 
mission, and no one can dispute it. May they inspire us 
with courage by illuminating the path that leads to the 
grand goal of universal brotherhood ! 

The locomotive also extended and widened the social 
current. Men, things, ideas, books, all found means of 
rapid transportation. Altho the English were the first 
to stretch the rails upon the surface of the earth, the 
United States applied them upon a vast scale. While 
the English were doubting and vacillating, and even 
cursing the invention, the Americans devoted themselves 
to perfecting it and opening large railways. Within a 
few years in the United States mountains were cleft and 
entire forests cut through to give passage to the locomo- 



8 



tive. This is the origin of the prosperity of the United 
States. It was an American, also, who first communi- 
cated thought by means of the telegraph; and another 
American whose invention enables us to send speech 
through the telephone. These two great men opened thfe 
way to human society for spiritual communication. The 
formation of the world-soul was thus begun. 

These constitute the true sources of modern progress, 
and can be referred to as the evident cause of the more 
intimate intercourse of the nations of the earth with one 
another. Wireless telegraphy is also adding strength to 
the bonds of brotherhood, and aerial navigation will give 
a happy finish to the work. 

What thus redounds to the honor of the United States, 
reflects honor, likewise, upon the new world, and when 
racial and national differences are completely obliterated 
the honor shall belong to the entire world. 

These being quite evident truths, w^e may answer the 
first question by saying that the democrats of the United 
States, and the liberals of Central America, are working 
contrary to civilization and are seeking the impossible. 

Both democrats and liberals have become conserva- 
tives without knowing it. In advocating the iDolicy of 
non-interference, they are spreading a selfish, unpatriotic 
and inhuman sentiment. I think, nevertheless, that they 
are sincere, and I trust that sooner or later they will 
acknowledge their error and contribute with all their 
energies to the promotion of general harmony. 



V. 

I propose to consider in this section, the second ques- 
tion : Are the declarations of the government at Wash- 
ington sincere? Is its aim conquest, the seizure of lands 
by cunning or by force? 

Was the speech of Boot in South America a loyal 
and reliable promise on the part of the United States 
Government? Will the successors of Secretary Eoot keep 
the pledge given by him? 

At the outset, it must be stated that politicians can 
promise nothing, unless they possess absolute knowledge 
of the laws of evolution and proceed in accordance with 
those laws. Social forces may within a decade deride the 
promises of men, unless those promises were uttered at a 
time when the eye was watchful and the judgment calm. 
It is for this reason that revolutionary programmes, and 
revolutions themselves, often fail, the people not being 
prepared for the change. 

Nevertheless, the form of evolution visible in the 
United States of America, stamps the words of Eoot with 
the impress of truth, and through the operation and de- 
velopment of present forces and currents. Boot's suc- 
cessors will find themselves obliged to uphold his doc- 
trine, somewhat in the same way as the Monroe doctrine 
had to be maintained. 

For, if the declarations of the American Government 
be insincere, its political plan must necessarily involve 
the conversion of the United States into a centralized em- 
pire similar to that of Eome. The building of the 
Panama Canal would mean the laying down of the 



10 

southern frontier of the great empire, while the fondling 
of Canada, as exhibited at present, would be the seeking 
of the pole for the northern limit. 

But may not the Government at Washington hope, on 
the other hand, to unite all of the nationalities, from the 
pole to the canal, in the same manner as that in which 
the different states of the American Union are now exist- 
ing and prospering in a marvellous degree? 

Which of these two paths is the American Govern- 
ment ostensibl}^ following? 

We replj' that the second course is, undoubtedly, the 
chosen j)ath, adopted as a matter of necessity and through 
the inexorable law of evolution. The facts are in mani- 
fest accord with the grand law. 

The independence of Cuba and the obligation imposed 
upon the new republic of maintaining a succession of law- 
ful and pacific governments; the exalting of Porto Eico, 
and the liberty which it now enjoys similar in all re- 
spects to that of the United States ; the progress of Santo 
Domingo, and the good faith with which the government 
at Washington rescued it from its late economic crisis ; the 
work at Panama, so palpable and eloquent; and the im- 
provements in the Philippine Islands, are, all of them, 
the very suggestive facts. 

Many persons of Latin America arrive at different con- 
clusions from these facts. According to some, Cuba is 
certain to continue its existence as a Spanish-speaking 
country. It would have been able, they say, to secure its 
independence through its own efforts, although it is now 
destroying itself by civil strife, like the republics of Cen- 
tral America, Spain never having known how to educate 



11 

her colonies for self-government. Others maintain that 
it would be better if Panama were in the hands of Co- 
lombia, and that the Canal will cause serious damage to 
Spanish America. 

But such ideas are not sound. The world required 
the canal, and when Colombia refused to make any treaty 
with the United States, passions were running high in 
Colombia and led her to do wrong. The belt of land, 
whether purchased or presented, was a necessity for com- 
munication between the two oceans. The progress of tin 
world could not brook prejudice through the folly of a 
people to whom the high destiny of humanity and the 
enterprise required by the nations for their material and 
spiritual existence were incomprehensible. 

This civilization, clamorous, bewildering, and produc- 
tive of change in all things, is inberent in our very selves, 
and grows with the land in which we had our birth. To 
civilization we are indebted for all that we are, and it is 
the criterion of high spirits and great minds. 

Cuba lost nothing by accepting the generous hand 
which the American people extended to her in the hour of 
her birth into republican life. All beings and all nations 
must pass through a period of infancy during which they 
need wise, prudent and energetic direction. It is true 
that they might, of their own vitality, reach the stage of 
maturity, but this could be accomplished only by passing 
through a long period of sanguinary strife, as was the 
case with France, England, Italy, and as is now happen- 
ing to the unfortunate states of Central America. Na- 
tions to-day powerful, such as England, France, Germany 
and others, cannot throw the first stone at Central Amer- 



12 



ica ; and if the people of the United States would but re- 
member the sorrows of Washington, and the supplications 
of Franklin in Congress, they would be just towards their 
brethren of Central America in their uncertain stejjs on 
the difficult road of republicanism and liberty. 

Latin publicists say that the race is dying out; that 
the mother tongue is disapiDearing ; that the Saxon is 
triumphant, and that the dominion of the world belongs 
to him. Let come what must! The empires of Augustus 
and of Constantine the Great are mouldering in the dust. 
All things change; but all the elements of past ages, 
spiritual and material, are living to-day in the modern 
organism, and existing civilization is the result and sum 
of the civilizations of the past. Our spirits are illumined 
by rays that had their birth in Greece and Egypt, and at 
the remoter hearth of the Aryan people from whom we 
sprang. 

Who can arrest the progress of events or halt the mo- 
tion of things? The very sun is not stationary in the 
centre of the solar system, but carries us travelling along 
Avith it towards the Constellation of Hercules. In this 
manner we are travelling towards the sun of humanity, 
which shall ultimately shine in resplendent beauty at the 
end of the centuries. Let us learn to love the future as 
we do the past, thus inducing a conditon of harmony. 

VI. 

Whither, then, is the American Government tending? 
When we consider the federal form of government and 
contemplate the visible forces of evolution in the United 
States we are compelled to the conclusion that it is on 



13 

the road leading to the federalization of all of North 
America ; and that this great object is the guiding star by 
which we are led, whether or not we are conscious of the 
fact. 

What could be more beautiful? Could the soul of 
man entertain the smallest feeling of dislike towards this 
marvellous desideratum f 

The great Eepublic was established upon a federal 
basis. The different states are independent as far as is 
necessary, and it is upon this fact that the stability of 
the nation rests. Just as soon as it is sought to estab- 
lish a centralized government, the decadence of the nation 
will begin, and the United States will fall as Eome fell. 

The reason is scientific : the law of the matter is now 
accepted as mathematical. The great human aspiration 
is welfare, and mankind is happier and freer according 
as power is decentralized, while individual liberty is, 
relatively, maintained. We all wish to enjoy the quantity 
of air and sunlight necessary to life, and we like to be 
paid the price of our labor. These vital conditions are 
admirably adjusted in the United States. 

Decentralization is a problem which is regulated by a 
supreme law, governing like the law of gravitation. This 
supreme law adapts itself singularly to the government 
of states. The celestial mechanic lent His laws to the 
social mechanic. Our planetary sj^stem presents us, in- 
deed, with a very striking example, bringing to mind im- 
mediately the federal system of government. 

After cataclysms attended by chaos, the planets were 
organized into a sort of federation, which they maintain 
in a state of perpetual equilibrium, in singular harmony, 



14 



each retaining its relative independence while revolving 
aronnd the snn, the centre of the system. This magna 
cliarta, this law of universal gravitation, is not an abso- 
lute sovereignty. If it were, the equilibrium Avould be at 
once destroyed, and the stars would fall upon one an- 
other, like the nations of the earth when one of them 
seeks to enslave its fellow. 

Absolutism in government has not proved durable 
upon this earth, and never will. Every territorial con- 
quest requires a new and additional force in the central 
power, and these forces uniting and increasing, cause the 
gradual degeneration of the government into a tyranny 
which the citizens cannot endure, and discontent and re- 
bellion supervene. The Russian empire is again giving 
to the world this grand, severe lesson. 

The pressure increasing, and the welfare of the com- 
munity dailj' losing ground, individuals begin to pull 
upon the chain, and sooner or later the chain snaps. 

I assume that the United States desires to perpetuate 
itself as a nation, and that its statesmen will be mindful 
to conserve the federation. 

I, therefore, answer the second question by saying that 
Eoot spoke the truth and that the United States cannot 
desire territorial conquest. It surely cannot wish to con- 
tract a mortal illness and pass on to death, like other 
empires which have sunk below the historical horizon. 

In the United States the federal government is the 
centre of the system. The different states revolve, so to 
speak, around the American sun, each state retaining its 
independence, character and individual laws. 



15 

I do not know whether American statesmen appreci- 
ate these trnths and Avhether they proceed in accordance 
with them. The laws of evolntion, however, being inex- 
orable, it matters little whether thej do or not. No one 
can prevent the operation of these laws, and the political 
party that attempts to do so is working against hnmanity 
and civilization. 

VII. 

From another point of view, it may be stated, in the 
light of hnman history, that the policy of non-intervention 
was always an impossibility in this world. All the na- 
tions of Europe, before the middle ages, thronghont the 
course of those uncultured centuries, and after the renais- 
sance, lived in a state of constant warfare, sometimes for 
the purpose of involving one nation in the destiny of an- 
other, sometimes with the object of carrying beliefs or 
idolatries to distant lands, or, again, to sustain this or 
that prince on the throne of his forefathers, or, perhaps, 
a usurper on the throne of another. 

It is needless to turn over the pages of the history of 
France, England, Spain or Germany. It is enough to 
recall the intervention of the Powers for the independ- 
ence of Greece and the intervention of the United States 
to secure the independence of Cuba. The facts, therefore, 
are written upon the universal conscience. 

The temperament of mankind, as well as that of na- 
tions, cannot contain itself within bounds of neutrality 
and indifference. And if this element of human nature 
could not restrain itself when correspondence required 
months and sometimes years to reach its destination, at a 



16 



time when books were few, and there was no telegraph, 
or steamships or railways, much less can it contain itself 
in this age when the great and manifold sensitiveness of 
societj'^ is a complete organism, endowed with nerves, 
arteries, heart and brain, that is to say, with a conscious 
soul. England moves against the Transvaal; Russia 
against Turkey or Japan; even Nicaragua, seemingly so 
isolated from the rest of the world, suffers convulsions, 
and every civilized country palpitates simultaneously de- 
siring the triumph of either one side or the other, or 
seeking the intervention of the Powers to arrest the inci- 
dental slaughter. The pains, pleasures and desires of hu- 
manity, are expressed through vibrating or spiritual 
movements traveling unimpeded from one eiid of the land 
to the other. Who in the world was not interested in the 
liberty of Dreyfus? 

In the days of Washington or of Lincoln, for example, 
although Cuba might have agitated to secure its independ- 
ence, the American government would never have inter- 
fered in its war against Spain, because the different 
states of the Union would not have desired such action. 
Nevertheless, the truly prophetic doctrine of Monroe had 
taken root in the national soul of the United States. This 
doctrine was cherished, as are all great principles of 
government, because it was the expression of the senti- 
ment and aspiration, at first latent, but subsequently tan- 
gible, of the ]3eople of the United States, based upon the 
imperious necessity of protecting the New World from 
conquest by Europe. 

How we have grieved and suffered, because the states 
of the north were compelled to meet in bloody conflict 



17 

their kindred of the south, and because Mexico and Cen- 
tral America have been passing on from one Calvary to 
another. No matter ! It is the inevitable law of human- 
ity, which was not born wise, to learn by cruel experience,, 
falling first upon its knees in order to rise again and lift 
its brow toward heaven. For this reason it is that those 
who censure the fall of the people of Central America 
and call them ungovernable, display but narrowness of 
soul and crass ignorance. Far better were it to extend a 
fraternal hand to those republics which are struggling to 
establish stable government, in the same way as England 
struggled in the olden days of conflict between the houses 
of York and Lancaster, reaching finally a stage of wisdom 
and prudence satisfactory to itself, or as France, Italy 
and Germany struggled with a similar object in view. 

Judging from the facts, the policy of the United 
States with respect to Central America, seems to be 
fraternal. The United States have at least treated us in 
a more generous spirit than that displayed by our sister, 
Mexico. 

But the Government of the United States sometimes 
makes mistakes in the manner of its procedure with refer- 
ence to Central America. For instance, in the year 1906, 
it could by its mere wish have prevented the unjustifiable 
war which Zelaya brought against Honduras. In the 
majority of cases, an unequivocal declaration from the 
White House would suffice to prevent cruel and fruitless 
bloodshed. The American Government could declare that 
it wants peace in Central America, and that in order to 
have peace there, it would employ such means as civiliza- 
tion might suggest, even force if necessary. ^ 



18 

It could also refuse to recognize any government re- 
sulting from military coups or from elections attended by 
manifest violence. Simple denial of recognition would 
in these cases be sufficient, because our governments by 
reason of their weakness, need a strong protecting hand 
to assist them in their entrance into the concert of civil- 
ized governments. 

It is not because they are incapable of governing 
themselves that the republics of Central America stand 
in need of such declarations, for they are no exception to 
other nations in the history of mankind, but because mod- 
ern improvements and means of prosperity have so mul- 
tiplied in the United States, that the advantages of the 
latter in comparison with tliose of Central America are as 
a hundred to one. The United States travel by steam and 
electricity, while the republics of Central America travel 
in an old cart drawn by weary oxen. Hence, the enormous 
disproportion, and the dissatisfaction arising from the 
fact that the people of the United States do not stop to 
consider the injustice of requiring from our people what 
thej'- are unable to give. 

I, therefore, assert, for I am thoroughly penetrated 
with the belief, that what we need most is economic aid, 
coupled with that which would be derived from practical 
schools. Assistance of this character would carry with 
it an unobtrusive, but yet very effective political in- 
fluence. 

It is a fact, however, that loans by American capital- 
ists, without the guarantee of the American Government, 
is not the best form in which this economic aid could be 
rendered. 



19 



The sad example of the trusts established in the 
United States show that capitalists are heartless, even 
where the welfare of their own countrymen is concerned. 
Once in their clutches, Central America M'ould become, 
sooner or later, what Costa Eica is now on account of its 
concessions to the United Fruit Company, but as already 
stated economic aid, rendered in a desirable manner, 
is the most effective way to secure peace in Nicaragua and, 
little by little, in all of Central America. 

Nicaragua wishes and has need of a loan of |15,000,- 
000, under the protection of the American Government. 
It would use 15,000,000 in the payment of the English 
debt and |10,000,000 in the founding of a national bank, 
to be established in Managua, with a capital of |40,000,000 
of paper money, the ten millions in gold being deposited 
in the treasury of the bank. The United States lenders 
should have a representative in the board of directors at 
Managua, and the American Government another repre- 
sentative on the same board. The revenues of Nicaragua 
should be collected by this bank, which would also dis- 
burse the national expenditures, and a sufftcient balance 
would remain to be devoted to several works of progress, 
such as the Rama Railway, the Matagalpa Railway, and 
the opening of the large Atlantic rivers. Let these rail- 
ways be national, and let neither the United Fruit, or any 
other trust from the north, come to assist us to build 
them and kill Nicaraguan industry. 

I believe that the American government on account of 
the morality and prosperity of its people, which ought to 
be the first concern of every government, would be more 
willing to patronize this method of affording protection to 



20 



Nicaragua, than that of introducing corporations, since 
in the United States themselves the government is now 
endeavoring to cure the body politic of the terrible trust- 
cancer from which it is now suffering and by reason of 
which the United States are jjresenting, indisputably, the 
greatest symptom of decadence which this great nation 
has as yet exhibited to the world. 

As I have hereinbefore suggested, the United States 
may desire the conquest of Nicaragua, or it may desire 
the formation of a republic that shall ultimately form 
part of the American Union. In either case, protection 
initiated by the present government of the United States 
is desirable, in order that in the future no new^ strug- 
gles may supervene against capital. The railways also 
should be national works, so that the people may not 
incur the danger of paying tribute to the extortions of 
capital for the transportation of merchandise. 

The government of the United States being, then, an 
honorable, civilizing and powerful government, the 
course it has assumed with respect to its economic in- 
fluence in Central America confirms its character. This 
generous and civilizing influence can only be spurned 
by those in Nicaragua, or other Central American coun- 
tries, who rely only upon militarism to obtain j)ower, 
and upon the national treasuries to enrich themselves. 

VIIL 

As already stated, the American Government has not 
always done the best thing in the matter of intervention 
in the policies and government of Central America. 

At the time of the unjustifiable war which Zelaya 



21 

forced upon Honduras, the United States could have 
prevented it; and after the outrage of the Momotombo 
against Acajutla, the United States was obliged, with 
the consent of the other Central American governments, 
to demand the retirement of Zelaya, as his government 
was harmful to civilization and to the interests of the 
United States as well as those of Central America. The 
American Government, however, accepting the idea of 
the Washington conventions, favored and really saved 
Zelaya, who for three years longer exploited the poor 
Mcaraguan people. The civil war that began at Blue- 
fields in October, 1909, was necessary to drive him from 
power. The Washington government then corrected its 
mistake by morally favoring the revolution, making the 
notable declarations of the Knox note, and by not 
recognizing the government of Madriz, which would have 
been but an extension of the Zelaya regime. 

In like manner the pressure brought against Zelaya 
on account of the Emery claim was quite justifiable. 
The grounds of this claim are not generally known. The 
Emery establishment was bound by contract not to sell, 
assign or lend to any person or company any merchan- 
dise which the Government permitted the Emery Com- 
pany to import free of duty for tlie maintenance of the 
Company, under a penalty, for violation, of double the 
value of the sale. One day Jose Dolores Gamez, taking 
advantage of his influence, obtained from Emery |11,000 
worth of food supplies and other material which he and 
Zelaya required for the purpose of making a survey of 
lands on the Atlantic Coast. This was followed by other 
demands for cash, until the Emery Company, which was 



22 



not promptly paid, refused to supply the wants of the 
Mcaraguan dictator and of his favorite. Then Zelaya 
caused the appointment of an Arbitration board, in ac- 
cordance with the penal stipulation of the contract, 
claiming from Emery double the value of the goods 
furnished. Gamez sent his nephew to Bluefields as at- 
tornej^ for the Nicaraguan government, compensating 
him, as Avas customary in those days, with a liquor con- 
cession which was sold for $9,000 gold. 

This method of making payments w^ith State prop- 
erty could hardl}^ be more scandalous, especiallj'' in view 
of the fact that the very parties who benefited by the 
transactions with the house of Emer}^ were plaintiffs 
against the Company. The arbitrators decided against 
Emery, and the fine was immediately paid. But the at- 
torney for the Government demanded more, that is to 
say, he claimed the forfeiture of the contract. Emery 
presented documents proving payment to Zelaya, on ac- 
count of the concession, for three years in advance, and 
the board of arbitration declared that nothing further 
could be done pending those three 3^ears. At the expira- 
tion of this period the government of Zelaya moved 
against Emerj?^, and without any previous legal proceed- 
ings or any new arbitration, took possession of every- 
thing. 

Such was the origin of the claim which has cost the 
people of Nicaragua |600,000 gold, because it is the na- 
tion which pays in the end, not Zelaya, who is enjoying 
its money in Belgium, not Gamez, who is spending it in 
San Salvador, nor Gamez's nephew, who is even now a 
diplomatic employee of the Government of Nicaragua, 



23 

nor 3'et the Nicaraguan lawyer who after the lapse of 
the three years demanded the forfeiture of the contract, 
who is now a judge in the supreme court of Managua, 
and who received |10,000 silver in payment for those 
services which were so ruinous to the country. 

There is no doubt that these crimes should be pun- 
ished. The Emery claim was just and the |600,000 gold 
should be paid. The debtor, however, is certainly not the 
nation, but rather its unworthy employees. Unfortu- 
nately, Nicaragua has neither public opinion, law or 
justice. When I was a Representative in the first Assem- 
bly at Managua, I introduced a bill for the prosecution 
of Zelaya and his accomplices; but all of the interests 
created by the government of the Dictator, now repre- 
sented by several of his friends, strongly opposed any 
action of this character. 

And it is now the fact that the former courtiers of 
ZelRja, skilful in intrigue and adept at bargains, are 
excluding patriots from the government and even expell- 
ing them from the country, and are again grasping the 
national treasury. The Zelaya regime has brought the 
country to such a serious condition of illness that it 
seems impossible to find a remedy. If the United States 
Government would intervene to free us from such scan- 
dalous depredations and establish a government of 
justice and morality, thus dignifying law and truth, its 
intervention would be a thousand times blessed; but to 
sustain tyrants and military ignoramuses, as has been 
done occasionally, undoubtedly through error, no, no, a 
thousand times no. 



24 

For this reason it is of the utmost necessity to bring 
the facts to the knowledge of the people of the United 
States, and to inform them of the true social and 
political conditions of Nicaragua. 

These truths show that the evil lies in the venality 
of the politicians of Central America, not in the patience 
of the people in supporting them, for it cannot be denied 
that during the seventeen years of Zelaya's government 
the people were continually in arms against it, and that 
in order to overthrow Zelaya some memorable actions 
were performed by the revolution of Bluefields. 

Of course it is at once manifest that if the United 
States, would assist us to open banks, railways and 
schools, improvement would be rapid, and the people of 
Central America and of the United States would benefit 
thereby, as they would have good, large markets for their 
industry. 

What is most urgently needed in Central America is 
to prepare men for the work of government. Unfortu- 
nately such men do not exist there. Many of those who 
claim power by reason of having i)articipated in the bat- 
tles of Tisma or Acoyapa, are unable to read or write, 
^ud if they were examined like school children they 
would not be able to answer anything about geography 
or mathematics, and much less about political or social 
science which is so necessary in managing men and coun- 
tries. Almost all of our military men are familiar with 
but one way to settle difficulties; the one adopted in 
Asia by Alexander when he severed the Gordian Knot 
with his sword. 



Zd 



Speaking generally, an aversion to truth is another 
singular characteristic of Latin society. Let the Saxon, 
then, teach us to keep the plighted word, by example and 
education. This teaching will not be understood by the 
older generations, but will be absorbed by the children, 
and it is these that represent the future. 

Institutions like the Court of Carthage, or the Inter- 
national Office of Guatemala, will not lead to good gov- 
ernment in Central America, because in the present state 
of Central America it would be very difficult to find five 
judges capable of setting aside their local prejudices and 
rivalries. Facts have proved this assertion. 

Furthermore, private, political or national interests 
confuse the judgment of man. Judges in Central 
America would be able in but very few cases to decide 
justly in matters involving Central America. This could 
not be said of a court established in Washington, com- 
posed of American citizens of high reputation, chosen 
for each case, organized as a permanent body. I be- 
lieve that the majority of Nicaraguans would submit with 
much more grace to a judgment rendered by a United 
States judge than to one rendered by a judge of their 
own country. 

Among the Washington conventions there is one 
which, in my judgment, is worth them all; that is the 
agreement for a Central American Pedagogic Institute. 
This measure, which is worthy of all praise and ought 
to have been immediately carried out, has never been 
acted upon. The first stone has not been cut for the 
building. If the amount expended for the Court of Car- 
thage, the International Office, and the maintenance of 



26 

ministers iu the capitals of Central America, had been 
devoted to the creation of the Pedagogic Institution, Cen- 
tral America would already enjoy the prospect of true 
civilization, provided the American Government would 
but furnish teachers, tools and materials for teaching. 

In the discussions of the Central American congress 
held at Washington, statesmen of the United States 
allowed themselves to l)e misled by tlie words of Central 
American politicians, and did not exhibit that practical 
spirit for which their race is distinguished. 

When it is desired, in the United States, to direct the 
])eople into a certain path, resort is had to the schools. 
Why is not the same thing done in Central America? 
The agreements were signed in 1907. The year 1908 
could have been devoted to the building of the Institute; 
it would now be in operation, and a hundred pupils 
from each Central American republic, all educated upon 
like principles and upon the basis of a common ideal, 
would be in training to contribute to the development 
and progress of our people. These agreements have 
brought to us but one more disappointment and failure; 
and to render this all the more poignant, the very per- 
sons who signed the agreements are now working against 
American influences in Nicaragua and Honduras. There 
is no necessit}^ for mentioning names. 

IX. 

Aside from all these arguments, which are manifestly 
based upon sociology and the inevitable and peremptory 
laws of human civilization, another reasonable ground 
exists for intervention by the United States in the poli- 
tics of Central America and in its republican life. 



The obligations and duties wliicli one nation con- 
tracts always draw after tliem reciprocal duties. 

The Monroe Doctrine, now universally recognized as 
i! x^rinciple of the United States Government, has im- 
posed upon this nation a multitude of obligations which 
continuall}^ occasion it difficulties and dangers. The re- 
publics of Central America have derived, and still de- 
rive, great benefit from this doctrine. Their indepen- 
dence, like the independence of Mexico, could not have 
been maintained without the powerful help of the United 
States. Our national life, however precarious or anarch- 
ical it may have been, would have been very quickly 
snuffed out if the United States had left us exposed to 
our own solitary efforts to maintain existence. 

Spain, even in its fallen state, England, France or 
Germany, would have conquered us, if those wise and 
prophetic words of Monroe, inspired b}^ the sincere and 
profound sentiment of a great nation, had not been ele- 
vated to the category of a fundamental law of the New 
World. 

Nicaragua was the first to benefit by this doctrine. 
The reincorporation of the Mosquito Land was arranged 
and accomplished through negotiations with England, 
carried on by the great Republic; and, even now, under 
the Government which resulted from the Revolution of 
Bluefields, the economic liberty of the Republic is sought 
to be achieved through the instrumentality of the Mixed 
Commission, a work wdiich imposes new duties upon the 
United States, and which must, undoubtedly, produce 
new rights under the law of compensation. 



28 



Zelaya had involved the country to an astounding de- 
gree with contractors and companies, English, French, 
German, Italian and United States. The first act of 
justice performed by the Government at Washington, in 
this.respect, was the grading of all of these contracts, both 
European and North American. It refused to favor its 
own citizens in any unjust claims, an action which un- 
doubtedly speaks very highly in favor of the sincerity of 
its policy. 

Among those contracts, so ruinous to Nicaragua, is 
that of the lease of tlie national railways and steam- 
ships, made by the Zelaya government to Mr, Julio Weist, 
a German subject, whose principal partner was Zelaya 
himself. Zelaya's son-in-law, Joaquin Pasos, held all of 
the bonds of this company and exercised control of it on 
behalf of his father-in-law. Neither Zelaya nor Weist 
expended any of their own personal funds in the enter- 
prise. The entire business consisted in the grabbing of 
national property for the purpose of dividing the profits. 

As the present government of Nicaragua annulled 
these contracts, so that the question of their legality 
might be submitted to the Mixed Commission, the Ger- 
man Government wanted to institute a claim on behalf of 
its subject. Some nations do not inquire into the justice 
or injustice of claims, but simply look to the quality of 
the claimant. If the government of Nicaragua was not 
protected by the American Government, German war- 
ships would already be at Corinto, and Nicaragua would 
be compelled to "stand and deliver," as the phrase goes in 
modern international law. We were saved bv the United 



29 

States. Have we the right to deny to the United States 
the right of intervention in our internal affairs? By no 
means. 

But we have the riglit, the supremely human right, 
based upon civilization, to ask, nay, even to demand, that 
the Nicaraguan Government shall be a government of 
legality and order, and that in no case shall the United 
States support tyranny. It is to be hoped that the spirit 
of the Knox note may be raised to the dignity of a prin- 
ciple of government, like the Monroe Doctrine, and that 
it may be proclaimed frankly in the face of the entire 
world. There are no reasons for concealing this tendency 
of American politics, as no power can object to the reign 
of order and liberty. This current is so powerful and 
displays so much energy that even should a democrat be 
elected President of the United States, the stream would 
have to run its course through its own momentum and 
by reason of the demands of civilization. 

It would be, indeed, a very grand and beautiful thing 
for us. Central Americans, to be able to regulate our 
own destiny through our own strength alone. I have en- 
tertained the illusion that after reverses and disappoint- 
ments, we might arrive, like other nations, at tlie goal 
of stable national government; but, unfortunately, civ- 
ilization cannot wait, and the whole world is in agita- 
tion, seeking land, air and sun. The Old World is full ; 
the United States are filling; mankind scatters itself, 
like a seed, upon the surface of the planet through the 
operation of the inevitable and omnipotent law of life. 
Who can control the sea? Every day, therefore, good 



30 



government in Central America is more and more urgent, 
so that immigrants may IiaA^e proper guarantees for life 
and property, and so that the United States may not be 
continually obliged to intervene, and even to defend the 
territory of Central America, by reason of the duties 
springing from the Monroe Doctrine. 

The American Government, however, should not per- 
mit itself to become possessed of the fatuous desire to 
correct the older generations of Central America. The 
grave alone can cure them. It were a herculean task, 
and tlie world is done with legends. 

The future is at school and with the infant genera- 
tion. As far as true government is concerned, we are 
merely at the opening of the path leading to honorable 
economic administration, not exploitation ; the path of 
frank and energetic suggestion, and the ignoring of 
all governments resulting from military insolence or 
fraudulent elections subversive of the rights of the peo- 
ple. Then will come the time when the suffrage shall not 
be exercised by soldiers, but by citizens conscious of their 
duties. 

The United States are already, responsible, in the 
eyes of the world, for things and events in Central 
America. The Monroe Doctrine, linked with the Knox 
note, has placed the great Eepublic in this situation ; and 
in order to comply with its duty there is no middle term : 
the only course is intervention, not more or less hesitat- 
ing, but open and determined, based upon high ideals of 
justice and humanitj^, and always directed towards the 
grand object of North American federation. 



31 

While the new generations are receiving education, 
the United States could assist and direct Central Amer- 
ica along the lines and in the practices advocated by the 
genius of Washington, the greatest of North Americans; 
that is to say, in the selection of men. The Father of 
his Country always sought out the most honorable men. 

The law of selection is -the law of indefinite ]>erfec- 
tion in the physical as well as in the moral world. Ac- 
cording to Darwin, the animals even obey it ; and sociol- 
ogy shows that in the domain of government the moral 
world rests upon "the material. The laws of universal 
creation and of organized beings are the very laws that 
govern society .- 

X. 

What is the duty of all parties. Republicans and Dem- 
ocrats in the United States, as well as of the Liberals and 
Conservatives in Central America? 

What is the highest duty of the Government at Wash- 
ington, and, in turn, of the governments of Central 
America ? 

I understand, and it is a teaching of science, that the 
highest duty of men, parties, governments and nations, 
is that of aiming at perfection, to wish for it and to love 
it with persevering will. All beings and things tend 
toward creation and perfection, and the social creation 
cannot endure unless founded upon morality. The Roman 
Empire, like other ancient nations, disappeared worm- 
eaten by its own vices and excessive wealth, and not so 
much on account of invasion by the barbarians. No law 
of conduct better expresses justice and equalitj^ than the 



32 

sublime maxim attributed to our Saviour : Do unto 
others as you would have them do Unto you. The people 
of the United States and their lawful representative, the 
Government, are therefore under the imperative obliga- 
tion to do in Nicaragua as they would have others do unto 
them. If, in this country, justice is administered, wise 
laws exist and schools are fostered to bring up youth in 
such a state of vigor that it can live of its own initiative, 
it is but just to desire and to ask that Nicaragua and the 
rest of Central America should be blessed with similar 
conditions of life and prosperity. Were it so, the Span- 
ish race would lose all cause for distrust. 

In the United States the law is paramount; the just 
man finds honor, the sentiments of the great Washington 
are embodied in the hearts of the citizens; property and 
life are respected, while individual liberty is assured to 
the extent necessary for the welfare of all. Let us, then, 
desire for ourselves a similar measure of progress, and 
that the United States might assist us, willingly and in 
good faith, as it is now doing, for neither President Taft 
nor Secretary Knox has done any act prejudicial to our 
country. Let us wish that violence might find no place 
among our people; that ignorance and vice might not 
seize the public offices and that relations between the 
United States and Central America might rest upon the 
mutual foundation of progress and liberty. 

It may be thought that these aspirations are, at least 
to a large extent, Utopian. 

Selfishness, the most powerful of human incentives, 
always appears in opposition to the realization of such 
wishes in the ideal way ; and it is precisel}^ for this reason 



33 



that the government should be in the hands of the best 
element, proper selection having been made from among 
those best fitted for the work. This was the practice of 
the first president of this great countrj^ 

Selection was Washington's advice; and it was also 
that of Franklin. It is necessary to select men, to select 
all the time, and to teach the people the difficult task of 
making Avise selection. There is no better way in which 
this teaching can be accomplished than by educating the 
young generations in a profound love for truth and jus- 
tice, so that they may practice these virtues during their 
entire lives as the most agreeable and sacred of their 
social duties. 

The contrary practice is exactly the greatest evil from 
which Spanish America is suffering, that is to say prone- 
ness to falsehood and conventional hypocrisy. The true 
and just man among us is destined to martyrdom, be- 
cause he is not understood, and because he is hated by in- 
dividuals and by the multitude. These vices are incul- 
cated in the home and in the schools where children are 
brought up in fear of denouncing vice and with an aver- 
sion to work, especially to the cultivation of the soil. 

To correct our social defects it is necessary that edu- 
cation be imparted by English or United States teachers, 
as truth is their pre-eminent virtue. Teachers to succeed 
them could be formed from the present and the coming 
Central American generations, by means of education in a 
large pedagogic institute supported by the United States, 
Guatemala, Salvador, Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica 
and Panama. There could be five hundred pupils from 



34 



each country, all of them beginning under eight years of 
age, so that they would enter the establishment uncon- 
taminated by any fixed vices. Some place in the United 
States should be selected for this institution, because the 
environment would educate better than all else. The fu- 
ture teachers of Central America would be reared in the 
midst of fields cultivated with United States implements 
and machinery, in building bridges and aqueducts, rail- 
ways and automobiles, learning to select cattle and 
seeds, and studying English and Spanish, which are des- 
tined to fraternize in the new world. 

Prom this Institute would come, later, the professors 
for the other six establishments to be thereafter 
founded, one for each of the Central American States, in 
their respective capitals or elsewhere, conducted upon 
the same plan and having the same ideals and tendencies, 
and furnished with machiner}^ and tools from the United 
States of America. This would be the very best propa- 
ganda for the commerce and industry of this country. 

And, like the school of Pestalozzi in Germany, the 
seed would go on germinating from the Canal to Canada, 
extending with astonishing fecundity to the horizons of 
Central and North America, filling up the corners and 
teaching the latest improvements. Within a quarter of a 
centurj^, revolution and tyranny would be a thing of the 
past in Central America. 

At the same time, above all things open the Pan-i^mer- 
ican or Pan-North American railway, financed by the 
United States like the Panama Canal, for the establish- 
ment of colonies along its line in the fecund hills and 



35 

sheltered vales of Central America where the farmer's 
hand is so sadly needed. 

This wonld be a method of conquest and expansion 
never dreamt of in past ages. Could anything grander 
and at the same time more practical be desired? Would 
this be a Utopia? 

From the various important points on that great rail- 
way, branches built by each Central American republic 
would run, thus extending the system and increasing the 
commercial, industrial and political relations of these 
countries. The United States would own the spinal col- 
umn of such an organism, while the Central American 
countries would possess the other members, arteries and 
veins. The day would not be far distant when the pulsa- 
tions and sentiments of the new organism would create 
the soul of a great North American entity reaching from 
the Canal to the borders of Canada, and, perhaps, 
through future treaties with England, it may yet stretch 
northward to the pole. 

This is not a dream. The millions of people in the 
United States require occupation and seek it eagerly, 
with machines that level mountains, carve out tunnels 
under hills and waters, and build bridges; they march; 
they fly; they navigate from one end of the land to the 
other bearing civilization on the prow of the vessel and 
light upon the flag that flutters from their masts. 

The diplomatic ministers of the United States could 
aid us in the selection of men for the arduous task of 
government ; but this benign influence should not be exer- 
cised except by North Americans of irreproachable 



36 



character, haying acquaintance with our nationalities, 
and free from all immoderate or unlawful ambitions — in 
a word, men of recognized probity of character. 

Just because the social conditions of the Central 
American nations is so difficult, it is not everj'-one who 
could serve as an intermediary between those nations 
and the government of the United States. I believe that 
it w^ould be less difficult to find a diplomat capable of 
arranging differences between France and the United 
States, than, for example, between this country and 
Nicaragua. In our country various personal cliques are 
active and hostile; each has its fetich which, as a gen- 
eral rule, is some ignorant, ambitious military man; pas- 
sions are unbridled and private interests are continually 
thrown into the balance of public affairs. iVs truth is 
not alwaj^s spoken, and he who utters it is frequently 
calumniated, the diplomat would be unable to determine 
the man of high character if he listened only to poli- 
ticians and party leaders. 

Would it not certainly be a calamity to our countries, 
and even to the United States, if the representatives of 
the government at Washington should encourage and 
l^rotect militarism and administrative corruption in Cen- 
tral America, as has sometimes occurred, alwa3^s, let us 
hope, by mistake? 

Vice and corruption can create nothing good, either 
for the weak or the stronger people. This is a truth so 
pervading that there is hardly one of the ruinous jobs 
of Zelaya's regime, but has had United States, German, 
English or Italian beneficiaries. The Zelayists, in their 



37 



concessions, monopolies, and land and mine-grabbing 
operations, always availed themselves of the instrumen- 
tality of foreigners. Corruption contaminated the bones 
of both. Inordinate love of wealth is an infirmity and a 
symptom of death. Kome succumbed amid the splendors 
of Petronius and the luxuries of Luculus. Anthony for- 
got his country in the gardens of Cleopatra. 

XI. 

What is the visible trend of evolution in the present 
age and what is the role of the United States? 

The rivers of the earth always seek sloj)es, basins, 
vales, gullies or watercourses in which to flow to the sea ; 
and in order that the law of social movement might bear 
more likeness to the laws of the physical world, hu- 
manity also selects seas, rivers, canals, so that it may 
all the more easily transport itself from one place to 
another, peopling the earth and contributing to the 
progress of the race. 

From most remote times, the human tide has coursed 
through seas and rivers best adapted to navigation and 
the transportation of men and merchandise, or of ammu- 
nition for use in the work of conquest. It might be said 
that facilities of communication have directed the march 
of the social world. 

The Aryans jumped from the plains of Pamir to the 
Ganges and the Indus, later crossing the Indian sea and 
the Mediterranean to establish themselves in Greece and 
Eome; the Hebrews erected their tents on the shores of 
the Euphrates; and by a singular circumstance, truly 
felicitous for the study of sociology, the most powerful 



38 



nations had their birth and growth on the banks of large 
rivers and by the shores of the sea. 

Egypt on the banl^:s of the Nile, whose periodic inun- 
dations suggested great works and monuments; Greece, 
with its shores bathed by the waters of the Mediter- 
ranean; Rome built upon the Tiber; Constantinople on 
the Bosphorus ; Paris, with open navigation on the Seine ; 
London, piercing the gloom of the fog with its life and 
light, sailing the Thames,- welding the iron and extract- 
ing the coal from its mines; Germany, floating upon the 
Rhine ; and, in modern times, the United States of Amer- 
ica palpitating upon the shores of the Hudson, the Dela- 
ware, the Potomac, the Missouri and the Mississippi, and 
around the great lakes, Erie, Ontario, Huron, Michigan 
and Superior ; while in the southern extremity of the con- 
tinent, the Argentine country grows, prospers and de- 
velops in power, in the reflection of its wonderful River 
Plate. 

But the merest analysis of these singular geographic 
conditions would show us that no nation of the world 
enjoys greater facilities of communication, or has re- 
ceived more permanent suggestion from the elements 
than the United States of America. It is sufficient to 
glance at the map of this great country, or visit it, in 
order to realize that the people of the United States find 
objective instruction everywhere in their surroundings; 
they beheld the course of the ways of communication, 
and appreciated the development these would produce 
according as their utilization was more or less easy. 
This admirable geographic condition, more than any- 
thing else, has created the spirit of North America, has 



39 



produced its tendencies, its ideal, its evolution. The 
arteries, nerves and vessels of this great organism, are 
its rivers, lakes, seas and railways. Through them it 
lives and grows and prospers in a manner truly mar- 
vellous. 

It seems as if nature desired to be prodigal towards 
this land, placing in its bosom all the materials w^here- 
with mankind has always established great civilizations. 
Nature also favored it with mountains of iron and of 
coal, that is, with the materials which its mother, Eng- 
land, used to elevate herself to the dignity of a nation, 
and of which Germany and Japan have availed them- 
selves in order to astonish the world. 

The change of front, the march of human societ}^ 
towards federation of the nations, was thus enabled to 
take, place and find its beginning upon the continent of 
North America, Fulton initiating it with the steamship 
and Franklin with electricity. 

And as alertness of perception and the spirit of inter- 
national fraternity grow in proportion to the imjpulses 
of the human organism, which are the more potential 
according as the vessels and arteries can easily and 
rapidly conduct blood to the heart, b^^ railway, steam- 
ship or telegraph, spiritual communication was estab- 
lished in North America, bringing in its wake the tend- 
ency toward fraternity; and this tendency is the soul 
that directs and conducts the definitive evolution of the 
United States. There is not a town in this great coun- 
try which does not perceive the pulsations of the others 
and of the world at large, transmitted, as they are, by 
the telegraph, which may be likened to the nerves of the 
human body. 



40 



The earth itself, the gentle mother earth, adored of the 
Greeks, forged the links of North American confedera- 
tion. Man comes and learns; he touches and conceives; 
he needs and he creates. In the war of secession this 
truth was demonstrated in the clearest manner. 

As at that time this immense facility of communica- 
tion did not exist, the people of the South were not ac- 
quainted with and did not understand the people of the 
North. The hand of man had not riven the mountains 
nor drilled the rocks for the construction of highways. 

Consequently, North American evolution which, in 
the end, shall guide the world, is already visible, although 
it may not be recognized by unenlightened people. And 
this is one of the reasons, and, indeed, the most cogent 
one, why we should permit the United States to guide us 
through the intricate labja-inth, in the same way as the 
planets are guided by the sun in the center of the system, 
larger of size and more powerful, with the force of univer- 
sal gravitation glowing in its fiery breast. 

If the highest aspiration of humanity be perfection; 
and through the operation of exceptional circumstances 
the people of the United States have discovered the road, 
as Columbus discovered the New World, the other coun- 
tries of America must necessarily revolve around the new 
sun and find warmth in its light, all travelling together to- 
wards Fraternity, as if this were, for the social world, w^hat 
the Constellation of Hercules is for the planetary system. 

This is a duty, the performance of which cannot be 
neglected, because civilization has rights which nations 
and men must respect. Furthermore, it is a peremptory 
necessity of existence, because the currents of prosperity 



41 

and expansion have developed in the United States in 
a gigantic manner, and are already irresistible. We can- 
not do otherwise than prepare our baggage and purchase 
our ticket for that wonderful voyage over the ocean of 
history and civilization to the cities of the United States 
favorably situated on the stream, travelling also in rail- 
way trains and steamships, thus contributing with some 
of our strength to the irresistible, supreme evolution. At 
any rate, we ought to be an atom of that universal spirit 
which is developing before our vision, satellites of that 
great system, docile as the planets, but retaining our cen- 
trifugal power that the equilibrium may be sustained and 
a return to chaos averted. We must all join the ranks 
and march along to the tune of the grand law. 

In this manner the nations of Central America have 
a clear and safe road, to come within the sphere of the 
Colossus, while maintaining at the same time their in- 
dividual independence. May it thus attract us, like the 
sun by its bulk, but without attempting to deprive us of 
the right of life, the movement of rotation. 

Such mutual obedience to the universal law settles the 
conflict and saves the independence of Central America. 

The giant is also under the unavoidable obligation of 
lending his strength to his weaker brothers, in accordance 
with equitj^ and justice, in order to contribute to the cre- 
ation of new American states, powerful and free, as 
prophesied by Monroe when he proclaimed his celebrated 
doctrine ; and as it may be assumed Taf t and Knox desire 
with reference to Nicaragua. This work would be im- 
perishable; furthermore, regarding evolution in the 
United States from this high point of view, such work 



42 



would be extremely scientific ; indeed, it might be said to 
be mathematic. It would be magnificent and sublime; 
not a work of conquest and destruction, but one of fra- 
ternity and justice, of creation and transformation. Let 
the great problem be solved, that problem which Kome 
perceived but dimly, which ancient and modern nations 
have been unable to work out, to which international 
congresses have been devoting their attention, and which 
is the ardent aspiration of humanity. 

Do you desire universal fraternity? If so, do not 
waste time in assembling congresses, but open uj) roads; 
place men and nations in intercommunication; organize 
a social, like the planetarj^ system. Nature, itself, has 
given us its lesson in the grand law of life and eternity. 
By the opening of roads and the removal of obstacles 
which impede and render human intercourse more diflft- 
cult, the grand confederation of the nations would come 
at last; not socialism or anarch}^, for nothing exists or 
can exist in the universe without restraint, law and gov- 
ernment. 

There is a country in Central America which, geo- 
graphically considered, greatly resembles the United 
States; that is Nicaragua. There is another that holds 
mountains of iron in its bosom, namely, Honduras. 

On the Atlantic coast of Nicaragua there are navigable 
rivers flowing through fertile territory : the Segovia, the 
Prinzapolka, the Grande, the Escondido with its branches 
the Rama and the Siquia; the Cukra and the San Juan 
communicating with the Grand Lake. This, in its turn, 
is connected with the Lake of Managua, by means of the 
river Tipitapa ; and by the construction of canals and the 



43 



building of bars and coves, tlie entire country could be tra- 
versed by steamships and merchandise. 

In the vicinity of Bluefields, when its large and spa- 
cious harbor is completed like that of Pearl Lake, the work 
that William Penn did on the Delaware and the other 
immigrants performed in the various States of the Ameri- 
can Union, may be commenced. 

At the same time railroads could be laid across the 
country, starting from Eania or Bluefields from the river 
Grande or the Segovia, running through most fertile lands 
suitable for cultivation and cattle raising, having abund- 
ant gold in the subsoil and forests of rich timber available 
for building purposes. 

It is a great duty to lend a helping hand to these coun- 
tries, so that justice may be installed in them, the repub- 
lic firmly established and immigration made possible. 
This is not only a moral duty but a necessity for the 
United States which are filling rapidly with the human 
stream coming from Europe to the new world in search 
of life, air and sunshine. 

There seems to be no reason whatever why the Ameri- 
can Government should disguise its aims and plan of ex- 
pansion, if they look towards this grand object. The con- 
tinent has understood this; and as this object is benefi- 
cent to mankind, it can meet with no censure even from 
the old nations of Europe, because in opening the doors 
of America, they are not opened solely to the people of 
the North, but to the entire world. We all know that the 
United States is a sort of sea, receiving the human streams 
that flow from the other side of the Atlantic, as in remote 
ages the Aryans swarmed from Asia into Europe. Were 



44 



the primitive inhabitants of Lacio, Gaul and other points 
able to restrain the biologic movement of mankind? They 
were not; just as it was not possible for Colombia to pre- 
vent itself from being severed in twain by the Canal, and 
it w^ould, likewise, be difficult for Central America to pre- 
vent the human waves from pursuing their restless flow 
and constant transformation. Life has its grand, inex- 
orable laws. 

In the new world, the union of races and nations will 
be effected in pursuance of the evolution now in j)rogress 
in the United States. The work began there ; it is going 
on even in the Argentine Republic, and it is already seek- 
ing new lands and frontiers for expansion and perfection. 

CONCLUSIONS. 

The following subjects should be discussed and de- 
cided in a new congress composed of representatives 
from the United States, Mexico, Guatemala, Salvador, 
Honduras, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama, viz. : — 

I. — The establishment of a Permanent Court of 
Arbitration in Washington, Boston or Philadelphia, 
composed of three judges and three substitute judges, to 
be elected by the Senate of the United States. The duty 
of this court shall be to adjust all questions arising be- 
tween the signatory countries. The judges to be elected 
must be citizens of the United States. If the United 
States be a party litigant, the matter should be decided 
on review by a European court of arbitration upon the 
application of one or more of the republics interested. 



45 

II. — Acknowledgment of the right of the citizens of 
all and any of the signatory countries to institute suit, 
either acting by themselves, or through legal or other 
representatives, in the Permanent Court for any viola- 
tion of law, despoliation of property or loss of life com- 
mitted against them or against the community by any 
of the governments. 

III. — Eecognition of the principles of the Knox note 
as obligatory international doctrine, like the Monroe 
Doctrine, in the following, or somewhat similar terms : 

"The United States and the other signatory 
powers will consider any war between two or 
more countries of North America, or civil war in 
any of them, and all attempts at oppression or 
tyranny committed against the nations or their 
citizens, as an attack against the commerce and 
prosperity of North America; and they declare 
their obligation to remedy the evil, either sever- 
ally or jointly, hereby guaranteeing the continued 
maintenance of lawful governments respectful of 
the property and of the lives of the people, and 
also the suppression of usurpers claiming through 
coups d'etat, violence in elections or other mani- 
fest fraud." 

This doctrine, it is understood, is simply a corollary 
of the Monroe Doctrine. If the United States are obliged 
to regard as an act of hostility committed against them 
any attempt to oppress any independent state of Amer- 
ica, as also any foreign intermeddling in American mat- 



46 



ters, they should likewise assume the obligation of re- 
quiring the lawful succession of governments respectful 
of the rights of persons, whether citizens or aliens. 

The conduct of the present Government of the United 
States in the affairs of Nicaragua, with reference to the 
tyranny of Zelaya, has been just and equitable, and it 
would further merit the approbation of all of the nations 
of America, were it to complete the good work by banish- 
ing or suppressing any despotism following, or claiming 
to succeed, Zelaya's. 

lY. — The American government shall not recognize 
as lawful, any concessions, monopolies or onerous con- 
tracts granted by any of the signatory governments to 
North Americans or foreigners, same being violations of 
the federal laws and of the laws of free commerce. 

This principle flows from the preceding one. Jus- 
tice, like charity, must begin at home. The evil of 
monopolies and trusts is hurtful to the weak as well as 
to the powerful nation. It is sufficient to cite the 
example of the United Fruit Company of Costa Rica and 
Guatemala wdth its monopoly of the banana. 

Another example, even more evident, is that of the 
Bluefields Steamship Company, to which Zelaya granted 
the exclusive right of navigation of the Escondido River 
and its branches. Both natives and North Americans 
rose against this Company in a memorable strike, and it 
was one of the chief causes of the rebellion against 
Zelaya. The new government of Nicaragua, with the 
assistance of the Mixed Commission, cancelled the con- 
tract; the monopolist company is now combined with 



47 

another to continue the business, seriously prejudicing 
the interests of honorable Americans, among whom it is 
sufficient to mention the large plantation of the Laguna 
de Perlas, containing 1,500 manzanas and owned by 
respectable New Yorkers. The owners are compelled to 
sell their fruit at such price as the two monopolizing 
companies choose to fix for it. But why cite other exam- 
ples when the United States Government, itself, is strug- 
gling to remedy the evil within its own borders? 

V. — The foundation of a North American Pedagogic 
Institute, supported by all of the countries signing the 
convention. This Institute to be on United States soil 
so that the students may have the benefit of the environ- 
ment. 

VI. — The establishment of a similar Institution for 
women. 

VII. — The obligation of Mexico, Guatemala, Hon- 
duras, Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and Panama to 
establish other similar institutions when the supply of 
necessary teachers shall have been, prepared by the first 
institution. 

VIII. — The foundation of national banks in each of 
the signatory I'epublics with ten or twenty millions of 
dollars gold on deposit and a corresponding issue of bank 
notes, making the monetary standard the same as that 
of the United States, and under the guarantee and con- 
trol of the government of this country. 

These banks to have charge of the general treasury 
of their respective countries, that is to say, for the col- 



48 

lection of the revenues and the payment of the appropri- 
ations, and for the payment of interest upon foreign or 
internal debts, etc., etc. A representative of the gov- 
ernment at Washington, a representative of the govern- 
ment of the country to which the bank pertains and a 
representative of the holders of outstanding bonds to 
compose the board of directors. 

IX. — The construction of the Pan-North American 
Eailway for account of the United States of America, 
without any larger belt of land upon either side of the 
line than may be necessary for the management and use 
of the trains and other accessories of the enterprise. 

X. — The building of branch lines from the Pan- 
North American trunk line, for account of each of the 
signatory countries, within their own territories. 

XI. — A general police force maintained by all, for 
vigilance, health, etc. 

There is no necessity for adding any more reasons 
than those already adduced. The object, the tendency, is 
obvious. Carried into practice, agTeeiments such as 
these would result in the intimate, spiritual and ma- 
terial progress of all of North America, and in the ef- 
fective sovereignty of the Central American Eepublics 
in case the^^ should not consider it a more beautiful 
thing, and one of greater benefit to themselves, to enter 
the great North American federation, towards which 
those nations are surely tending through forces devel- 
oped by the marvellous discoveries of modern times. 



49 



EPILOGUE. 

The preceding pages liave hardly been written, when 
we are apprised by the press of the country that even 
President Taft, himself, is seeking to mould public opin- 
ion in the direction indicated in this paper. In a recent 
speech* he urged the people to bring all their moral in- 
fluence to bear upon the Senate to effect the ratification, 
not only of the international peace treaties, but also of 
the agreements made with Nicaragua and Honduras. 
With his usual remarkable clearness, the President sees 
that the cause of peace upon this hemisphere would be 
best conserved by the confirmation of those Central 
American treaties; and he also perceives the duty of the 
United States, arising from the Monroe Doctrine, to as- 
sist the Central America Republics along the path lead- 
ing to a secure national existence and to republican lib- 
erty under pacific, constitutional governments. 

The President also emphasized the important point 
that such assistance to the Central American States 
should be of an economic character, declaring, as re- 
ported in the newspapers, that "if the United States in- 
sists upon the Monroe Doctrine, it should also be will- 
ing to help the republics, as was done with Santo Do- 
mingo, by collecting their revenues for them and apply- 
ing these revenues to the payment of just obligations." 

* At Mountain Lake Park (Md.), Chautauqua, August 7th, 1911. 



50 



Furthermore, President Taft, in his message to Congress 
accompanying the Nicaragnan Treaty, says: 

"Better by far is this beneficial and construct- 
ive policy in the neighborhood of the Caribbean 
Sea, the Panama Canal, and the Central American 
republics, based as it is on the logic of our geo- 
graphical position, the development of our com- 
merce in the immediate neighborhood of our 
shores, our moral responsibilities due to a long- 
standing policy in the region mentioned, than it 
is with listless indifference to view unconcern- 
edly the whole region in fomentations of turbu- 
lence, irresponsibility, contracting debts that by 
their own exertions they would never be able to 
discharge, or to be required, as in several in- 
stances in the past, to land our armed forces for 
the protection of American citizens and their in- 
terest from violence and for the enforcement of 
the humane provisions of international law, for 
the observance of which in the region concerned, 
this Government, whether rightfully or wrong- 
fully, is lield responsible by the world." 

This pamphlet has been written with the express 
object of propagating this particular line of thought 
among the people of the United States. It is, therefore, 
a great satisfaction to the writer to find that he is so 
admirably aided in this effort by such an eminent and 
reliable statesman as the President of this great Kepub- 
lic, to Avhich the enlightened people of our own commu- 
nities look with an abiding hope for the future welfare 
and happiness of Central America. 

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